GREAT PLANES Spectra Instruction Manual - Page 12
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also have insurance to cover you in case of a flying
accident. (The AMA address is listed on page 2 of this
instruction book).
If a club and its flying site are not available, you need to find
a large, grassy area at least 6 miles away from any other
R/C radio operation and away from houses, buildings and
streets. A schoolyard may look inviting but it is usually too
close to people, power lines and possible radio interference.
If you are not thoroughly familiar with the operation of R/C
models, ask an experienced modeler to check to see that
you have the radio installed correctly and that all the control
surfaces do what they are supposed to.
Range Check Your Radio
Wherever you do fly, you need to check the operation of the
radio before every time you fly. This means with the
transmitter antenna collapsed and the receiver and
transmitter on, you should be able to walk at least 100 feet
away from the model and still have control. Have someone
help you. Have them stand by your model and, while you
work the controls, tell you what the various control surfaces
and your motor are doing.
AMA SAFETY CODE (
Read and abide by the following Academy of Model
Aeronautics Official Safety Code excerpts:
1. I will not fly my model aircraft in competition or in the
presence of spectators until it has been proven to be airworthy
by having been previously successfully flight tested.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approximately
400 feet [120m] within 3 miles [2km] of an airport without
notifying the airport operator. I will give right of way to, and
avoid flying in the proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where
necessary an observer shall be utilized to supervise flying
to avoid having models fly in the proximity of full-scale
aircraft.
3. Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the
flying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fly my
models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
Radio Control
1. I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
check before the first flight of a new or repaired model.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of
spectators until I become a qualified flyer, unless assisted
by an experienced helper.
EXCERPTS
General
3. I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away from the pit,
spectator and parking areas, and I will not thereafter
perform maneuvers, flights of any sort or landing
approaches over a pit, spectator or parking area.
First of all, if you are flying with other modelers check
to make sure they are not flying or testing on the same
frequency as your model.
Try to find an experienced pilot to help you with your first
flights. Although the SPECTRA ARF is very easy to fly, an
experienced pilot can save you a lot of time and possible
aggravation by helping you get your model in the air smoothly.
It is a good idea to do a couple of trim flights, without the
motor running, before each flying session to make sure the
)
plane is still in trim and the radio is working properly. The
model will survive a hard landing from 5 feet [1.5m] much
better than it will one from several hundred feet. The first few
trim flights should be done over a grass field. The longer the
grass the better (more cushion).
Turn on the transmitter first and then the receiver. Hold the
SPECTRA ARF under the wing with the nose pointed slightly
down and directly into the wind. Do not run the motor for these
test flights. It is very important that you launch the model with
the wings level and the nose pointing at a spot on the ground
about 50 feet [15m] in front of you. Have a friend stand off to the
side of you and tell you whether the nose is pointing up or
down. If the SPECTRA ARF is launched with the nose up or
launched too hard it will climb a few feet, stall and fall nose first
straight down. With the nose pointed down slightly the sailplane
will accelerate down until it picks up enough flying speed then
level off and glide forward. The plane should be launched with
a gentle push forward. With a little practice you will be able to
launch it at just the right speed so it soars straight ahead in a
long and impressive glide path. Adjust the trims on your
transmitter to get the plane to fly straight ahead in a smooth
glide path.
Once you get the hang of launching it you can try turning the
plane during the trim flights by gently applying a "touch" of
right or left rudder. You can also try "flaring" the landings by
slowly applying a touch of up elevator (pull the stick back) as
the plane nears the ground. The SPECTRA ARF will
continue to fly just a few inches off the ground for a
surprisingly long distance. It is important you don't "over-
control" the model. Make any control inputs slowly and
smoothly rather than moving the transmitter sticks abruptly.
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